[endswapper]

Brute force describes it well. At some point you have to take the plunge. You will likely learn fairly quickly if it's for you.

Expect to fail. And while it shouldn't be a goal, my failures have always been more beneficial, more productive than any success. Success always has the risk of promoting complacency. Failure will test your character and grit. In the end you will know more about yourself having tried than not. I also recommend doing it as young as possible. It helps to teach you the possibilities. If you decide it's not for you then you have time to start over and rebuild. Maybe with maturity and a different perspective you have the opportunity to pursue it again later on.

[AstralStorm]

Quite a few people just are not comfortable taking this high risk (way higher than just investing in risky startups) with their own money, time and often health. Those unslept hours and stress are not negligible.

[endswapper]

I agree, and I think that is a great reason to not "escape 9 to 5."

Much to my point about doing it young, if you are unsure, but you are tempted by the siren song of startup fame and fortune. The hype, glamour, fame and fortune is largely the exception and not the rule. The hard work and the hard lessons are much more the norm. The benefits you might receive are earned, and they are paid for in sweat, stress and sleepless nights.

The bottom-line is that it comes down to knowing yourself. You make a great counterpoint to those that are certain working for themselves, or starting a startup is their path.

If you are uncertain, the best way to confirm it is to test yourself, take the risk.